BACK PACK SAFETY

Did You Know?
There has been a 330% increase in backpack injuries among children since 1996.

STUDY: Backpack Use Directly Associated with Back Pain in Adolescents Spine 2003;28(9):922-930

Compliments of Backpack Safety America

Objective: Investigate relationship between baackpack use and back pain in adolescents.

Summary: Prevalence of nonspecific back pain increases dramatically during adolescence.

Methods: 1126 children, ages 12-18 complete questionnaire about their health, activities, and backpack use. Each child’s body weight, height, and backpack weight were measured.

Children classified as having back pain if one or more of the following were reported durnig the preceding month:
1. Neck or back pain that had interefered with school or leisure.
2. Neck or back pain with a severity rating of 2 or more on a scale of 0 to 10.
3. Visited a healthcare professional for neck or back pain.
4. Exemption from physical education or sports because of neck or back pain.

Results:
1. Of 1122 backpack users, 835 (74.4%) classified as having back pain.
2. Females 2 times more likely to have back pain.
3. Back pain more likely in students reporting poorer general health.
4. Adolescents with back pain carried significantly heavier backpacks.

Conclusion:
Use of backpacks during school day and backpack weights independently associated with back pain.

BACKPACK SAFETY - HOW TO PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM STRAINING HIS BACK:
Now that kids -even little ones- tote backpacks everywhere, backpack-related aches and pains are on the rise. The overloaded packs can strain young muscles, especially when kids sling them over one shoulder in an unbalanced fashion. Here are a few tips to keep your child walking tall while carrying their stuff in style.

1. Don’t overload the backpack. Your child should carry no more weight in their backpack than the weight they can carry comfortably in their arms for a few minutes. To be sure your child isn’t carrying more than they can safely bear, notice their posture. Backpack wearers should walk normally, with their shoulders down and back and their stomach muscles tightened.

2. Be sure the backpack is the right size. It should not be wider or longer than your child’s torso. (The torso extends from the bony bump at the base of the neck down to the top of the hips.)

3. Make sure she wears the pack properly. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back. You should also make sure the straps are snug but not excessively tight. Straps that are too tight can cause the pack to ride up on the child’s neck.

4. Keep the safety belt buckled. The best and safest backpacks have belts at their base that can be buckled snugly around the child’s waist. The waist belt helps distribute the weight to the lower body so the hips and legs bear some of the load. Insist your child uses it.

5. Check the contents of the bag. Anything that could poke through the pack’s material, such as scissors, should be stored in a protective container. Make sure your child’s emergency contact information is inside.

6. Pack right! The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15% of your child’s body weight. Be sure to pack only what is needed. Load the heaviest items closest to your back. Doing this distributes the weight between your back and hips. It will help avoid the unsightly hunchback look.

7. Consider alternatives to standard backpacks.
Attention jocks and tiny people! If you’re heavily into sports or extracurricular activities that require a ton of equipment, you should consider one of those cool bags with wheels. No offense to the more petite children out there, but they are super helpful for adolescents who are smaller than average. If your child still wants to use a backpack, try finding a backpack with multiple compartments so weight can be more evenly distributed. If the child has a locker available, make sure they are using it! Make locker stops to unload the books or equipment that is not being used.